Latest NHL Chatter: Penguins bending on term will dictate a Hornqvist extension by July

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Rangers attack Penguins effectively in transition

The Pittsburgh Penguins learned pretty quickly Tuesday night the Buffalo Sabres were no longer in town.

While the Penguins would go on to out-attempt the New York Rangers 59-42 during 5 vs 5 play, and 76-50 in all situations during a battle of backup goaltenders, Pittsburgh met their match in how the Rangers exposed them in transition.

Pittsburgh’s speed game is no longer steps above the rest of the field like it was during their 2016 Stanley Cup run and lesser teams like the Rangers have caught up to them in that area where they can exploit the Penguins on the rush.

While the Penguins were +17 in shot attempts (5 v 5), New York was +2 in high danger chances during the win.

Trade Talk: Penguins in the d-man market

While the Penguins’ focus in recent weeks has been exploring the forward market as the team is open to adding either an impact winger or center, the Penguins are also keeping a close eye on the market for a defenseman or two.

Right now a lot of chatter is on adding nothing more than a depth defenseman, but if Kris Letang’s struggles continue into the new year, Pittsburgh is prepared to move a high pick for a top-2 pairing defenseman.